S Group's 100 responsibility acts

We take responsibility for consumers and the viability of the domestic food product chain, both nationally and locally.

We regularly organise a discussion event on food for food product chain operators in order to increase interaction.

Why does S Group regularly invite producers, industry, civic organisations and unions as well as influencers around the same table for discussions?

The Finnish food product chain can only succeed by means of genuine cooperation. That is why we hold regular discussion events.

9. Sustainable industry, innovations and infrastructure

By lowering prices, we are growing the sales of domestic products and increasing consumers' purchasing power.

Why is S Group lowering the price of food?

According to 80 per cent of Finns, food is too expensive. That is why we are lowering prices.

8. Decent work and economic growth

We participate in the Operation Hunger Day, the Good Holiday Spirit fundraising campaign, and the Finnish Red Cross Week.

Why does S Group participate in various nationwide charitable campaigns, such as the Operation Hunger Day, the Good Holiday Spirit fundraising campaign, the Finnish Red Cross Week, as well as the Pink Ribbon campaign?

As a major Finnish group of companies, we want to contribute to supporting the important work of charitable organisations. That is why we participate in various campaigns.

17. Partnerships

We support the Children's Day Foundation in promoting child welfare work.

Why does S Group support the Children's Day Foundation?

As a major Finnish group of companies, we want to support child welfare work. That is why we support the Children's Day Foundation.

17. Partnerships

We sponsor the ‘Hyvä alku koulutielle' (‘Good start for school') campaign organised by MLL by publishing a brochure on healthy snacks for children.

Why is S Group sponsoring the ‘Hyvä alku koulutielle' campaign organised by MLL?

The ‘Hyvä alku koulutielle' campaign aims to remind parents about issues that contribute to the well-being of children. That is why we are sponsoring MLL's campaign.

3. Good health and well-being, 17. Partnerships

We take responsibility aspects into consideration in the investment services provided by S-Bank. We offer responsible and easy-to-understand domestic savings and investment services, such as an opportunity to invest in Finnish sustainably managed forests or domestic housing production.

Why does S-Bank take responsibility aspects into consideration in investments and offer an opportunity to become a forest or housing investor in Finland?

We require that the operations of our investment targets are also responsible. Sometimes it can be difficult for a fund investor to see what exactly it is that they are investing in. Finnish forests and domestic housing production are good and easy-to-understand investments, which are also more worry-free and low-risk options for a fund investor. That is why we offer our customers the opportunity to become a forest or housing investor.

8. Decent work and economic growth

We are expanding the Kotimaista line.

Why is S Group expanding its Kotimaista line of Finnish products?

We are a consumer cooperative, and our task is to offer affordable, Finnish food products to our customers. That is why we expand the Kotimaista line.

8. Decent work and economic growth

We offer retail services through the most extensive network of stores in Finland.

Why does the S Group have the most extensive network of stores in Finland?

As a consumer cooperative, it is our task to offer products and services close to our customers. That is why we have the most extensive network of stores in Finland.

11. Sustainable cities and communities

The fresh pork served in S Group's restaurants is 100 per cent Finnish. The goal is that 90 per cent of frozen products and processed foods will be of Finnish origin by 2020.

Why will S Group be offering 100 per cent Finnish fresh pork in its chain restaurants by 2020?

Our customers value the domestic origin of products. The demand for Finnish products also promotes employment in Finland. That is why we will be serving only fresh pork of Finnish origin in our chain restaurants by the end of 2020.

8. Decent work and economic growth

The chicken served in S Group's restaurants is 100 per cent Finnish. The goal is that 90 per cent of frozen products and processed foods will be of Finnish origin by 2020.

Why will S Group be offering 100 per cent Finnish fresh chicken in its chain restaurants by 2020?

Our customers value the domestic origin of products. The demand for Finnish products also promotes employment in Finland. That is why we will be serving only fresh chicken of Finnish origin in our chain restaurants by 2020.

8. Decent work and economic growth

All meat served in the restaurants of the ABC service station stores is 100 per cent Finnish.

Why does S Group only serve meat of Finnish origin in the restaurants of the ABC service station stores?

Our customers value the domestic origin of products. As a Finnish consumer cooperative, we want to support domestic demand and production. That is why we only serve Finnish meat in all restaurants of the ABC service stations stores.

8. Decent work and economic growth

We create well-being by investing in and buying local products and services

We will develop indicators and a monitoring model to measure the creation of value in society by the end of 2018.

Why does S Group measure the value it creates in society?

Our mission is to produce benefits and advantages for our co-op members. As the major operator in Finland, we influence Finland and its residents. That is why we must know what social value we can increase.

8. Decent work and economic growth

We promote the sales of local products by means of the Kotoisat (‘Locally produced') lists displayed in S-markets. These lists highlight the best local products we offer, provided by the best local providers.

Why does S Group highlight locally produced food products by means of the Kotoisat lists in S-markets?

Our customers value local products. We bear the responsibility for the vitality of the entire domestic food product chain. That is why we highlight local products in the stores.

8. Decent work and economic growth

We introduce new Finnish designers and highlight Finnish design in our pop-up stores and through communications.

Why does S Group highlight the work of new Finnish designers and Finnish brands in its pop-up stores and communications?

Our customers are interested in Finnish products. It is our task to listen to our customers and offer them what they want. That is why we highlight the work of Finnish designers and Finnish brands.

The Original Sokos Hotel chain works together with local partners for the benefit of the area in question.

Why does S Group work together with local partners in the Original Sokos Hotel chain?

Selecting local products and services increases vitality. Cooperation with local charity partners supports the well-being of the area. That is why S Group works together with local partners in the Original Sokos Hotel chain.

11. Sustainable cities and communities

We are an important Finnish employer and taxpayer

We ensure that young people employed by S Group learn about a variety of retail tasks and the retail sector by setting up an extensive induction package.

Why does S Group cover the entire retail sector in the induction it provides to young people who start working in the Group?

We want young people to get off to a good start in varied and interesting employment. That is why we provide them with extensive induction in working life.

8. Decent work and economic growth

We are Finland's largest private provider of summer jobs and trainee positions to young people.

Why does S Group continue to be the largest provider of summer jobs and trainee positions to young people?

In 2016, S Group had 12,000 summer employees and trainees. The first jobs give young people a basis to stand on as adults and to become active members of society. That is why offer employment to young people.

8. Decent work and economic growth

By 2020, S Group will have implemented a system that will support employees' opportunities to work across sector boundaries while optimising their working hours.

Why will S Group implement a system by 2020 that supports the employees' opportunities to work across sector boundaries and optimise their working hours?

The opportunity to gain diverse work experience work is more significant and important to many people. That is why we will create a system that supports our employees' opportunities to work across sector boundaries if they want to.

We offer solutions for reducing the emissions generated by our owners' operations and for sustainable consumption

We participate in developing and distributing cleantech solutions for consumers.

Why does S Group help consumers with the implementation of cleantech solutions, in other words, solutions with improved environmental friendliness?

Consumption behaviour plays a key role in mitigating climate change. That is why we develop cleantech for consumers and help our co-op members implement it.

12. Responsible consumption and production 13. Climate action,

We develop solutions that help customers monitor the environmental impact of their own consumption. We develop ways to produce information about the environmental impact of products and services.

Why does S Group develop solutions that help customers monitor the environmental impact of their own consumption?

Consumption behaviour plays a key role in reducing environmental impact. We want to help consumers minimise their environmental impact. That is why we develop solutions to that effect.

12. Responsible consumption 13. Climate action

We help our customers to reduce food waste.

Why does S Group help customers to reduce food waste?

Reducing the waste benefits both the economy and the environment. In Finland, 35 per cent of food waste is generated by households. That is why S Group helps customers to reduce food waste.

12. Responsible consumption 13. Climate action,

We facilitate waste recycling by drawing up sorting instructions for customers.

Why does S Group provide customers with sorting instructions?

Proper sorting of waste makes it possible to reuse waste more effectively. That is why we draw up sorting instructions for our customers.

13. Climate action

We offer extensive recycling opportunities and help customers to find them.

Why does S Group offer its customers extensive recycling opportunities and help customers to make use of them?

Recycling helps save natural resources. As the largest retail operator, we are in an excellent position to promote recycling in Finland. That is why we offer our customers extensive recycling opportunities.

13. Climate action

We are piloting the recycling of textiles in the Sokos chain.

Why is S Group piloting the recycling of textiles?

We are one of the largest retail operators. That is why we can promote recycling and considerably reduce textile waste.

13. Climate action

We are piloting sales of used clothes through the shop-in-shop concept in the Sokos chain.

Why is S Group piloting the sales of used clothes through its shop-in-shop concept?

The shop-in-shop concept enables us to offer used clothes to customers in outlets where they already do their shopping. That is why we are piloting sales of used clothes.

12. Responsible consumption

We help our customers care for their textile products so that the products last longer.

Why does S Group teach customers to take better care of their clothes?

When clothes are kept in good condition, they last longer. That is why we support and encourage our customers to take proper care of their clothes.

12. Responsible consumption

We are piloting a "blog fleamarket" event in the Sokos chain.

Why is S Group trying out organising a "blog fleamarket"?

We are constantly looking for and testing new recycling methods for our customers to use. That is why we are piloting the "blog fleamarket" event.

12. Responsible consumption

We guide customers to reduce waste in the buffets of our hotels and restaurants.

Why does S Group guide customers to reduce food waste in the buffets of its hotels and restaurants?

Food waste burdens the environment. Waste benefits nobody. That is why we help our customers reduce waste in the buffets of our hotels and restaurants.

13. Climate action

We tell customers about the work for the environment carried out by hotels and encourage them to get involved.

Why does S Group tell customers about the work for the environment carried out by hotels and encourage them to get involved?

Everyone can get involved in work for the environment by making smarter choices. For example, by not putting their hotel towels in the laundry if it is not necessary. That is why we tell customers about the work for the environment carried out by hotels and encourage them to get involved.

13. Climate action

We help motorists reduce emissions form driving by encouraging them to install the flex fuel conversion kit in their vehicles and to use Eko E85 fuel. We also offer an extensive network of charging stations for electric cars.

Why does S Group help customers reduce emissions of driving?

Emissions from traffic are one of the key factors that are accelerating climate change. That is why we help our customers who drive to reduce their emissions.

13. Climate action

We continuously increase the use of raw materials based on domestic waste and scraps in biofuels.

Why does S Group increase the use of raw materials based on domestic waste and scraps in biofuels?

There is demand for new ways to reuse domestic raw materials based on waste and scraps. That is why S Group increases the use of raw materials based on domestic waste and scraps.

13. Climate action

We seek the best solutions for reducing the impact of our own operations on the climate and environment.

We will increase the efficiency of our use of energy by 30 per cent compared to the 2015 level by 2030.

Why will S Group improve its energy efficiency by 30 per cent?

Energy consumption is one of the key factors in the retail sector's environmental load. We are one of the ten largest consumers of electricity in Finland. That is why we will improve our energy efficiency.

7. Affordable and clean energy, 13. Climate action

We will set targets for the energy consumption of all S Group outlets by the end of 2018.

Why will S Group set targets for the energy consumption of outlets?

Each outlet is different, and therefore, opportunities to improve the efficiency of energy consumption are different. That is why we will set targets for the energy consumption of all our outlets.

7. Affordable and clean energy, 13. Climate action

We will generate 80 per cent of the electricity consumed by S Group from our own renewable energy by the end of 2025. We will invest in both solar and wind energy in the coming years.

Why will S Group invest in its own renewable energy?

By the end of 2016, as much as 50 per cent of the electricity consumed by S Group was produced using the Group's own renewable energy. As the largest retail sector operator, we have a major impact on the emissions in Finland. That is why we will generate 80 per cent of our electricity from our own renewable energy by the end of 2025.

7. Affordable and clean energy, 13. Climate action

We are expanding the use of demand-side management of electricity consumption in S Group.

Why is S Group increasing demand-side management of electricity consumption?

"Demand-side management" means transferring electricity consumption from high demand and high price hours to a more economical time. That is why we want to participate in increasing demand-side management.

7. Affordable and clean energy, 13. Climate action

When carrying out repairs, we replace heating systems that use oil and natural gas with ones that use renewable forms of energy, whenever possible.

Why does S Group replace heating systems that use oil and natural gas with ones that use renewable forms of energy whenever possible?

Oil and natural gas are fossil fuels, which accelerate climate change. That is why we want to switch to renewable forms of energy.

13. Climate action

We are reducing greenhouse gas emissions caused by refrigerants by replacing old refrigeration appliances with ones that use carbon dioxide.

Why is S Group replacing old refrigeration appliances with ones using carbon dioxide?

Traditional refrigerants are powerful greenhouse gases that accelerate climate change when released into the atmosphere. From the environmental viewpoint, carbon dioxide is the best refrigerant. That is why we are replacing the traditional refrigerants with carbon dioxide.

13. Climate action

We will not transport waste to landfill.

Why will S Group not take any waste to landfill?

In order to ensure the sufficiency of natural resources, we reuse the majority of our waste. That is why we will not transport waste to landfill in the future.

12. Responsible consumption, 13. Climate action

We will direct 70 per cent of S Group's waste to the production of new products and packages by the end of 2020.

Why will S Group direct 70 per cent of its waste to recycling?

As a major operator, we have a considerable impact on the sufficiency of raw materials. That is why we will direct 70 per cent of our waste to recycling.

13. Climate action

We will reduce food waste generated by S Group's own operations by 15 per cent by the end of 2020.

Why will S Group reduce food waste generated by its own operations by 15 per cent?

Reducing food waste benefits both the economy and the environment. That is why we will reduce food waste generated by our operations by five million kilograms.

13. Climate action

We are developing the calculation of greenhouse gas emissions generated by S Group's operations so that it covers the entire value chain, and we are setting science-based climate targets.

Why is S Group developing the calculation of greenhouse gas emissions generated by its operations?

Greenhouse gas emissions accelerate climate change. In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we must know the quantity of emissions generated. That is why we are developing the calculation of our emissions.

13. Climate action

We will investigate the opportunities offered by the circular economy and draw up an action plan for S Group by the end of 2017.

Why is S Group investigating the opportunities of the circular economy and drawing up an action plan?

S Group wants to be a pioneer in the circular economy. That is why we are investigating the opportunities provided by the circular economy and drawing up an action plan.

We are minimising the climate impact of S Group's logistics by improving the efficiency of the operations and using renewable forms of energy. We are piloting the use of ED 95 ethanol diesel.

Why is S Group minimising the climate impact of its logistics and piloting the use of ED 95 ethanol diesel?

As the largest retail operator, S Group causes considerable environmental impact through logistics. ED 95 ethanol diesel can reduce the environmental impact of logistics. That is why we are piloting the use of ED 95 ethanol diesel.

13. Climate action

We are implementing an environmental impact assessment model in our supply chains.

Why is S Group implementing an environmental impact assessment model in its supply chains?

S Group has been involved in developing the BEPI programme since 2012. The model helps influence the environmental impact of production. That is why we are implementing an environmental impact assessment model in our supply chains.

12. Responsible consumption, 13. Climate action,

We offer our co-op members an option to stop receiving paper receipts on their purchases.

Why does S Group offer co-op members an opportunity to receive electronic cash receipts?

Every year, S Group's outlets use 81,000 kilometres of receipt paper, equivalent to travelling around the world twice. The majority of this is unnecessary waste. That is why S Group offers co-op members an opportunity to receive electronic cash receipts.

13. Climate action

We assess and reduce the environmental impact of packaging materials.

Why does S Group assess the burden on the environment caused by packaging materials and work to reduce it?

Packaging materials burden the environment. That is why we pay attention to and reduce the environmental impact of packaging materials.

12. Responsible consumption

We are increasing the number of charitable partners that we have.

Why is S Group increasing the number of charitable partners?

As social inequality increases, there is more demand for food that cannot be sold but is still edible. Our goal is to ensure that edible food products are used for meals. This will also reduce food waste. That is why we are seeking additional charitable partners.

13. Climate action

We will introduce a contest for the personnel of our hotels and restaurants to reduce food waste in restaurants.

Why is S Group introducing a contest for the personnel of its hotels and restaurants to reduce food waste in restaurants?

Food waste burdens the environment. Waste benefits nobody. That is why we encourage our personnel to find new ways to reduce food waste.

13. Climate action

All S Group hotels will have a Green Key environmental label by the end of 2017.

Why is S Group working to ensure that all its hotels will receive a Green Key environmental label by the end of 2017?

The hotels awarded the Green Key label are committed to reducing their burden on the environment. As a large operator in the hotel sector, we have an opportunity to have a considerable impact on the condition of the environment. That is why we are working to ensure that all our hotels are awarded the Green Key label.

When electrical appliances are replaced in hotels and restaurants, we ensure that the new ones are as energy-efficient as possible.

Why does S Group ensure the energy efficiency of the electrical appliances it purchases?

We continuously look for the best solutions for reducing the impact that our own operations have on the climate and environment. That is why we ensure that the electrical appliances we use are as energy-efficient as possible.

13. Climate action

When we replace indoor plumbing fixtures and appliances in our hotels and their restaurants, we ensure that their water consumption is as low as possible.

Why will S Group select indoor plumbing fixtures and appliances that consume as little water as possible when renovating by the end of 2017?

A lot of energy is consumed when water is heated and purified. That is why we will ensure that the water consumption of the new indoor plumbing fixtures and appliances is as low as possible.

6. Clean water and sanitation

When we renovate our hotels, old materials are recycled.

Why will S Group ensure by the end of 2017 that old materials are recycled when its hotels are renovated?

Recycling materials reduces our burden on the climate and environment. That is why we recycle.

13. Climate action

The cleaning agents and detergents used in the daily housekeeping in hotels are eco-labelled.

Why will S Group use only eco-labelled cleaning agents and detergents in all of its hotels by the end of 2017?

Hotel operations consume high volumes of cleaning agents and detergents. That is why using only eco-labelled cleaning agents and detergents reduces our burden on the environment.

12. Responsible consumption

We are piloting circular economy solutions in selected restaurants and hotels.

Why is S Group piloting circular economy solutions in selected restaurants and hotels?

Recycling materials reduces our burden on the climate and environment. That is why we are piloting the opportunities provided by the circular economy.

13. Climate action

We look for means to develop sustainable production and raw materials.

The fish and shellfish we sell originate from sustainable stocks only.

Why does S Group sell fish and shellfish from sustainable stocks only?

Many of the world's stocks of fish are threatened due to overfishing, for example. By only selling fish and shellfish originating from sustainable stocks we ensure that our operations do not further jeopardise the existence of threatened species. That is why we sell fish and shellfish from sustainable stocks only.

14. Life below water

We will use only physical Certified Sustainable Palm Oil in our private label food products and oil used in deep-frying in restaurants by 2021.

Why will S Group use only physical Certified Sustainable Palm Oil in our private label food products and oil used in deep-frying in restaurants by 2021?

Palm oil is the most commonly used vegetable oil in the world. The production of palm oil is associated with issues such as deforestation, which threatens the diversity of nature and the habitats of threatened animal species and the local population. That is why it is important that we commit to using only responsibly produced palm oil.

15. Life on land

We will conduct a survey on the use of soy and soy fodder in products sold by S Group and investigate the climate impact of the soy we use. We will draw up a procedure for action.

Why will S Group conduct a survey on the use of soy and soy fodder and investigate the climate impact of soy?

The production of soy is increasing rapidly around the world. The majority of the soy used originates from South America, where the increased soy production is compromising biodiversity. A possible increase in deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions is also a concern. That is why we want to determine the climate impact of the soy used in our product range.

13. Climate action, 15. Life on land

Our goal is for our private-label coffees and coffee sold in restaurants and hotels to be 100 per cent certified or verifiably responsible* by the end of 2019.

Why does S Group work to procure certified and verifiably responsible private-label coffee, tea and cocoa?

Coffee, tea and cocoa are considered risk raw materials. The procurement and, in particular, primary production of risk raw materials are associated with specific challenges in terms of traceability and human rights risks to employees. Responsibility certifications and third-party audits are ways to ensure that the social responsibility requirements that we set for our suppliers are met in practice. That is why we work to procure certified and verifiably responsible private-label coffee, tea and cocoa.

12. Responsible consumption

Our goal is for our private-label teas and tea sold in restaurants and hotels to be 100 per cent certified or verifiably responsible* by 2020.

Why does S Group work to procure certified and verifiably responsible private-label coffee, tea and cocoa?

Coffee, tea and cocoa are considered risk raw materials. The procurement and, in particular, primary production of risk raw materials are associated with specific challenges in terms of traceability and human rights risks to employees. Responsibility certifications and third-party audits are ways to ensure that the social responsibility requirements that we set for our suppliers are met in practice. That is why we work to procure certified and verifiably responsible private-label coffee, tea and cocoa.

12. Responsible consumption

Our goal is for our private-label cocoas and chocolate to be 100 per cent certified or verifiably responsible* by the end of 2020.

Why does S Group work to procure certified and verifiably responsible private-label coffee, tea and cocoa?

Coffee, tea and cocoa are considered risk raw materials. The procurement and, in particular, primary production of risk raw materials are associated with specific challenges in terms of traceability and human rights risks targeting employees. Responsibility certifications and third-party audits are ways to ensure that the social responsibility requirements that we set on our suppliers are met in practice. That is why we work to procure certified and verifiably responsible private-label coffee, tea and cocoa.

12. Responsible consumption

We will conduct a survey on the options to use more sustainably produced cotton in textile products.

Why is S Group investigating the options to use more sustainably produced cotton in textile products?

Irrigation and the use of herbicides and pesticides in the production of cotton considerably burden the environment. In addition, the production of cotton includes human rights risks in many production countries. That is why we want to investigate the options to use cotton that is more sustainable for both the environment and people.

6. Clean water, 12. Responsible consumption

We are introducing products made from recycled materials to our product range.

Why is S Group introducing products made from recycled materials to our product range?

We ensure that materials are reused as much as possible in order to help secure the sufficiency of natural resources. That is why we are introducing products made from recycled materials to our product range.

12. Responsible consumption

At our hotels, 100 per cent organic porridge is always served in the breakfast buffet.

Why is organic porridge always served in the breakfast buffets of S Group's hotels?

Our customer value organic products. That is why we offer them.

8. Decent work and economic growth, 15. Life on land

All coffee used in the Coffee House chain has a responsibility certificate.

Why does all coffee used in the Coffee House chain have a responsibility certificate, and why will the coffer be traceable by the end of 2017?

The production of coffee involves both environmental and human rights risks. That is why all coffee used in the Coffee House chain has a responsibility certificate and is traceable.

8. Decent work and economic growth

ETHICAL OPERATING CULTURE AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Openness, transparency and responsibility are a part of our operating culture.

We test and develop responsibility together with S Group's Advisory Group and other external stakeholders.

Why does S Group test and develop responsibility with external specialists?

S Group does not know everything. S Group's Advisory Group consists of external specialists. By listening to differing opinions and even critical viewpoints, we ensure that our decision-making is based on the best available expert knowledge. That is why we work together with the Advisory Group.

17. Partnerships

We will develop indicators for measuring how ethical our operating culture is by the end of 2018.

Why will S Group develop indicators for measuring how ethical its operating culture is?

We are developing the ethics of our operating culture in a goal-oriented manner. Clear indicators are needed to support management. That is why we will create indicators for measuring how ethical our operating culture is.

16. Peace and justice

We are increasing our personnel's competence in human rights and ethics.

Why is S Group increasing its personnel's competence in human rights and ethics?

Human rights and ethics are matters that concern the work of each S Group employee. It is important to learn to identify situations in which these matters are involved. That is why we increase our personnel's competence in these matters.

8. Decent work and economic growth

We indicate the country of production of the main ingredients in private-label food products.

Why does S Group indicate the country of production of the main ingredients in private-label (e.g. Rainbow and X-tra) food products?

Our customers require transparency concerning the country of production and the origin of the ingredients. That is why we indicate the country of production of the main ingredients in private-label food products.

12. Responsible consumption

We publish annually the factory details of S Group's private labels and textiles that we import.

Why does S Group annually publish the factory details of its private labels and textiles that it imports?

Our customers are increasingly interested in knowing the country of manufacture and origin of the products. By openly providing the details of the factories that manufacture the textiles, we ensure that customers have sufficient information about the products. That is why we publish the factory details annually.

12. Responsible consumption

We carry out audits on the welfare of production animals.

Why does S Group monitor the welfare of production animals by performing audits?

S Group does not approve of mistreatment of animals under any circumstances. The audits ensure that all necessary measures are taken for the welfare of animals. That is why we carry out welfare audits of production animals.

12. Responsible consumption

Responsibility will be included in the concept audits of hotels and restaurants.

Why will responsibility be included in the concept audits of hotels and restaurants?

Audits help us ensure consistent operating models. Realising responsibility in our concepts is important to us. That is why we include responsibility in the concept audits of hotels and restaurants.

12. Responsible consumption

We promote the realisation of human rights in the supply chain.

In order to realise human rights and an ethical operating culture, we will provide training for our partners by the end of 2019.

Why does S Group educate its business partners about human rights and ethical operating methods?

Businesses are obligated to ensure that human rights and ethical operating methods are realised, both in their own operations and in their supply chains. That is why we educate our business partners.

8. Decent work and economic growth, 16. Peace and justice

We will create a model to promote human rights in high-risk countries by the end of 2019, in addition to supplier audits.

Why will S Group create a model to promote human rights in high-risk countries, in addition to supplier audits?

Inspections, or audits, carried out by an independent party are an obvious necessity to ensure responsible production. Together with them, models are needed for strengthening the realisation of labour laws and human rights. That is why we will create a model to promote the realisation of human rights in high-risk countries.

8. Decent work and economic growth, 16. Peace and justice

We will launch a cooperation project to promote workers' freedom of association in high-risk countries by the end of 2018.

Why will S Group launch a cooperation project to promote workers' freedom of association in high-risk countries?

Workers' freedom of association is a foundation for the promotion of human rights and rights at work. That is why we will launch a cooperation project to promote freedom of association.

8. Decent work and economic growth, 16. Peace and justice

A human rights risk assessment will be conducted with all suppliers and service providers.

Why will S Group conduct a human rights risk assessment with all suppliers and service providers?

A prerequisite of the realisation of human rights is understanding the risks associated with suppliers and service providers. That is why we will conduct an assessment of all our suppliers and service providers.

16. Peace and justice

We require that all suppliers of private-label products and our own imports located in risk countries pass a BSCI audit or an equivalent third-party audit.

Why have all of S Group's suppliers of private labels and its own imports located in risk countries been audited through BSCI or an equivalent third-party audit?

Third-party inspections, or audits, are a way to ensure that the social responsibility requirements we set on our suppliers are met in practice. That is why we audit all suppliers of private labels and our own imports located in risk countries.

12. Responsible consumption

We promote diversity

We will conduct an accessibility survey and draw up an accessibility programme for S Group by the end of 2019.

Why will S Group conduct an accessibility survey and prepare an accessibility programme for S Group?

Everybody should have equal access to and equal opportunities to work at S Group. We are working to ensure the realisation of this by conducting the accessibility survey and preparing the related programme. That is why we carry out the survey and prepare the accessibility programme.

11. Sustainable cities and communities

We promote diversity by means of communication.

Why does S Group promote diversity, such as equality and multiculturalism, by means of communication?

Promoting diversity benefits both the employer and the working community. Different viewpoints and ways of working enrich working communities and society alike. That is why we promote diversity.

5. Gender equality, 10. Reducing inequalities

We are supporting employment among immigrants by investing (via FIM) one million euros in a fund set up to boost employment.

Why does S Group support the prerequisites of employment for immigrants?

Employment is key to the integration of immigrants. That is why we want to promote employment of immigrants.

A hygiene passport is a requirement in, for example, the restaurant sector, which could offer employment for many immigrants. That is why we fund Funzilife Oy's application, which supports hygiene passport certification.

8. Decent work and economic growth, 10. Reducing inequalities

We are piloting ways to employ groups for whom finding employment is difficult.

Why is S Groups piloting ways to employ those for whom finding employment is difficult?

Offering more people meaningful things to do ensures that an increasing number of people are able to contribute to building Finland. Work is an important aspect of well-being. That is why we are piloting ways to employ those for whom finding employment is difficult.

8. Decent work and economic growth, 10. Reducing inequalities

We train our personnel in encounters with different kinds of customers with different backgrounds by developing the existing training offering of our Jollas Institute.

Why does S Group develop its personnel training to help employees in encounters different kinds of people with different backgrounds?

The world, our customers and their needs keep continuously changing. It is our job to ensure that our personnel stay abreast of the changes and have the skills to serve customers in any situation. That is why we continuously develop our personnel training methods.

4. Quality education, 10. Reducing inequalities

S Group offers accommodated work to our partially incapacitated employees.

Why does S Group offer accommodated work to its partially incapacitated employees?

Our performance as a provider of products and services is measured by the competence of our personnel. It is our job to help our employees stay employed even if their working ability is not 100 per cent. That is why we offer adjusted work to our partially incapacitated employees.

4. Quality education, 10. Reducing inequalities

Menus written in braille are available for visually impaired customers at Rosso and Frans & les Femmes restaurants.

Why does S Group offer menus written in braille at Rosso and Frans & les Femmes restaurants?

We work non-stop in order to ensure accessibility in our services. That is why we offer menus written in braille at Rosso and Frans & les Femmes restaurants.

10. Reducing inequalities

WELL-BEING AND HEALTH

We offer products and service solutions that increase health and well-being and help our customers to make healthy choices.

We will develop a mobile service for customers to monitor the healthfulness of their purchases by the end of 2018.

Why will S Group develop a mobile service for customers to monitor the healthfulness of their purchases?

A healthy diet plays a key role in promoting public health. We want to develop services that customers can use to monitor their own purchasing history and the healthfulness of their grocery purchases, for example. That is why we will develop a mobile service for the purpose.

3. Good health and well-being

We are making it easy for customers to select healthful products by developing our customer communication.

Why is S Group making it easy for customers to select healthful products by developing our customer communication?

A healthy diet plays a key role in promoting public health. That is why we provide information that makes it easy to select healthful products.

3. Good health and well-being

S Group is challenging all Finns to make use of vegetables in a versatile way and offering new, healthful alternatives.

Why is S Group challenging all Finns to make use of vegetables in a versatile way and offering new, healthful alternatives?

From a public health standpoint, Finns should increase their consumption of vegetables. Less than 10 per cent of Finns eat the recommended five portions of vegetables, fruit and berries per day. That is why we challenge Finns to use more vegetables and offer new, healthy alternatives, for instance, for the use of seasonal vegetables.

3. Good health and well-being

We will increase the opportunities of children and young people to exercise by building 100 outdoor sports fields (‘Ässäkenttä') by 2020. The Ässäkenttä fields will be built in cooperation with municipalities and the Football Association of Finland.

Why will S Group build 100 Ässäkenttä fields by 2020?

The foundation of a physically active lifestyle is laid during childhood. Sports and physical activities are an important factor in the everyday life and well-being of children and young people. We provide sports grounds that can be used free of charge to promote physical activities among children and young people. That is why we will build 100 Ässäkenttä fields.

3. Good health and well-being, 11. Sustainable cities and communities

Together with the regional cooperatives, we are sponsoring the nationwide Ice Skating Tour of the Finnish Speed Skating Association to increase physical activities among children and young people.

Why is S Group supporting the nationwide Ice Skating Tour?

The goal of the Ice Skating Tour is to make children, young people and families more active physically. The event is free, and skates are provided for those participants who do not have their own gear. That is why we are sponsoring the tour, which visited more than 50 towns last year.

3. Good health and well-being, 17. Partnerships

Our cooperatives support the operations of local associations in an open and transparent manner through the Kannustajat (‘Supporters') programme.

Why does S Group participate in the Kannustajat programme?

The Kannustajat programme is a way for the cooperatives to provide transparent support for the hobbies and activities of children and young people. Co-op members can join as supporters and influence the target and amount of the support the cooperative pays. That is why we participate in the Kannustajat programme.

17. Partnerships

We label our products that meet the criteria with the Heart Symbol.

Why does S Group label the private label products that meet the Heart Symbol criteria with the Heart Symbol?

The Heart Symbol indicates that the product in question is a better choice for health. We want to make it easy for our customers to select healthful products. That is why we label our products that meet the criteria with the Heart Symbol.

3. Good health and well-being

We are piloting the CosmEthics mobile application in the Sokos and Emotion chains. The application enables both customers and our sales associates to obtain information on the ingredients of cosmetics.

Why is S Group piloting the CosmEthics mobile application?

We want our sales associates and customers to be able to easily find information on the ingredients of cosmetics. That is why we are piloting the CosmEthics mobile application.

3. Good health and well-being, 12. Responsible consumption

We will conduct a survey on the responsibility viewpoints of cosmetics and prepare a plan to develop a responsible range of cosmetics in the Sokos and Emotion chains.

Why will S Group conduct a survey on the responsibility viewpoints of cosmetics?

We want to offer our customers a responsible range of cosmetics. That is why we will conduct a survey on the responsibility viewpoints of cosmetics and prepare a plan to develop our cosmetics range.

3. Good health and well-being, 13. Responsible consumption

The Allergy and Asthma Federation partner label has been awarded to as many S Group hotels as possible.

Why does S Group work to ensure that its hotels are awarded the partner label of the Allergy and Asthma Federation?

We want our customers to feel comfortable and worry-free to choose our hotels. That is why we work to ensure our hotels are awarded the partner label of the Allergy and Asthma Federation.

3. Good health and well-being

We highlight lighter options in the restaurant menus by indicating the nutritional content of portions.

Why does S Group indicate the nutritional content of meals at the ABC restaurants?

Because when customers know the nutritional content of different meal options, they can make more informed decisions and choose lighter options, for example.

3. Good health and well-being

We are increasing the number of vegetarian options in the selection of the ABC restaurants.

Why is S Group increasing the number of vegetarian options at ABC restaurants?

From a public health standpoint, Finns should increase the consumption of vegetables. Less than 10 per cent of Finns eat the recommended five portions of vegetables, fruit and berries per day. That is why we are challenging Finns to eat more vegetables and offering new, healthy alternatives at ABC restaurants as well.

3. Good health and well-being

We look after the well-being of our personnel.

We are testing different ways to encourage employees to walk or cycle to work and to use public transportation.

Why is S Group testing different ways to encourage employees to walk or cycle to work and to use public transportation?

As a major employer, we want to encourage our personnel to use transport that generates lower emissions. An active lifestyle also supports coping at work. That is why we encourage employees to walk or cycle to work and to use public transportation.

3. Good health and well-being

In S Group's work community survey, our goal is to achieve a total result that exceeds the general norm in Finland by a minimum of five points.

Why does S Group aim to achieve a total result that exceeds the general norm in Finland by a minimum of five points in its work community survey?

The work community survey measures employee satisfaction. Personnel well-being is a key objective. That is why in the work community survey, our goal is to achieve a total result that exceeds the general norm in Finland by a minimum of five points.

8. Decent work and economic growth

We will establish a ‘Nuori mieli' (‘Young Mind') programme in order to increase young employees' work motivation and enable them to feel valued in their jobs. At the same time, we will seek new ways to promote good mental health among the young.

Why will S Group promote the ‘Nuori mieli' programme?

We will establish a ‘Nuori mieli' (‘Young Mind') programme in order to increase young employees' work motivation and enable them to feel valued in their jobs. At the same time, we will seek new ways to promote good mental health among the young. Our future lies with the young, and we want to do our part to ensure a future that is as bright as possible. That is why we support the ‘Nuori mieli' programme.

3. Good health and well-being, 8. Decent work and economic growth

*Verifiably responsible refers to third-party audits in the procurement chain, extending all the way to primary production.